SEMA News—December 2014

INDUSTRY NEWS

SPY PHOTOS

Photos copyright KGP Photography. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

2016 Ford Explorer Uncovered		Ford Super Duty
Here’s an uncovered look at a prototype for the ’16 Ford Explorer facelift. The new headlights clearly get a more angular shape, while the taillight looks more simplified and cohesive. The new front fascia appears to get a smaller grille than on the current model, with the additional air intakes integrated more subtly into the front bumper design. The current Explorer’s low-set round fog lights will go away in favor of new LED fog lights placed higher up on the front bumper, providing a look that is in line with the ’15 Ford Edge. The mid-cycle revamp will also give the Explorer an all-new interior, which will utilize Ford’s latest technologies in conjunction with a more tactile passenger interface. The new 2.3L Ecoboost engine is expected to replace the current 2.0L turbo.		While shooting a prototype Ford Super Duty, KGP Photography was particularly intrigued with the camouflage on the rear bed cap. The camouflage appears tailor-made for this particular top, and it successfully hides anything that could make it special. The cap has a badge on it from familiar cap maker ATC Truck Covers, along with some grease-pencil writing that makes it look like a pretty traditional transaction. So why the extensive camouflage? The cladding is a bit of an anomaly for Ford’s test trucks and fuels anticipation for details.
Next-Gen Camaro		Porsche Panamera
Behold the next-generation Camaro without the heavy vinyl camouflage that has covered all prior prototypes. Some hot lamps on the Nürburgring have encouraged the General Motors test team to strip the Camaro down to its black-and-white graphic camo for the best look yet at Chevy’s new, Alpha-based Mustang fighter.		The new Panamera rides on a Porsche-developed platform dubbed “MSB.” Along with underpinning this Panamera, the MSB is expected to provide the basis for the Bentley Flying Spur. A version of the MSB platform is also expected to be used for the next mid-engine Boxster/Cayman, along with the next rear-engined 911. The Panamera will serve as the launch vehicle for the new MSB platform. The new Panamera is expected to spawn a wider model array than the current version, with a Shooting Brake/Wagon variant taking cues from ’12’s Sport Turismo concept, to be joined by a large two-door coupe and convertible. Considering Porsche’s traditionally slow development process as a benchmark, this second-generation Panamera is expected to reach the market in ’16 as a ’17 model.

SEMA News—December 2014

Guide to Protect Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights Available Online

SEMA’s new member guide describing the process by which businesses can protect their intellectual property (IP) rights is now available online at www.sema.org/intellectual-property-rights-guide. A hard copy of “Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights: What SEMA Members Need to Know” was also sent to members through the U.S. mail.

SEMA published the guide to help members understand their rights and to protect their investments. It provides a basic overview of the law governing trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. It’s intended as a reference tool to help identify IP priorities and when to consider working with an attorney who practices IP law.

Whether it is registering an IP or enforcing against counterfeits and infringing products, SEMA strives to provide members with the tools necessary to take those actions.

For additional details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise

A rebound in accessory and appearance products has helped to drive the current growth. A closer look at the market reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. For product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products, and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members can download a free copy of the report. The report provides detailed insight on the compact-
performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street-rod and custom, and racing niches.

SEMA News—December 2014

Guide to Protect Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights Available Online

SEMA’s new member guide describing the process by which businesses can protect their intellectual property (IP) rights is now available online at www.sema.org/intellectual-property-rights-guide. A hard copy of “Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights: What SEMA Members Need to Know” was also sent to members through the U.S. mail.

SEMA published the guide to help members understand their rights and to protect their investments. It provides a basic overview of the law governing trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. It’s intended as a reference tool to help identify IP priorities and when to consider working with an attorney who practices IP law.

Whether it is registering an IP or enforcing against counterfeits and infringing products, SEMA strives to provide members with the tools necessary to take those actions.

For additional details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise

A rebound in accessory and appearance products has helped to drive the current growth. A closer look at the market reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. For product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products, and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members can download a free copy of the report. The report provides detailed insight on the compact-
performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street-rod and custom, and racing niches.

SEMA News—December 2014

Guide to Protect Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights Available Online

SEMA’s new member guide describing the process by which businesses can protect their intellectual property (IP) rights is now available online at www.sema.org/intellectual-property-rights-guide. A hard copy of “Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights: What SEMA Members Need to Know” was also sent to members through the U.S. mail.

SEMA published the guide to help members understand their rights and to protect their investments. It provides a basic overview of the law governing trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. It’s intended as a reference tool to help identify IP priorities and when to consider working with an attorney who practices IP law.

Whether it is registering an IP or enforcing against counterfeits and infringing products, SEMA strives to provide members with the tools necessary to take those actions.

For additional details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise

A rebound in accessory and appearance products has helped to drive the current growth. A closer look at the market reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. For product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products, and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members can download a free copy of the report. The report provides detailed insight on the compact-
performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street-rod and custom, and racing niches.

SEMA News—December 2014

Guide to Protect Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights Available Online

SEMA’s new member guide describing the process by which businesses can protect their intellectual property (IP) rights is now available online at www.sema.org/intellectual-property-rights-guide. A hard copy of “Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights: What SEMA Members Need to Know” was also sent to members through the U.S. mail.

SEMA published the guide to help members understand their rights and to protect their investments. It provides a basic overview of the law governing trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. It’s intended as a reference tool to help identify IP priorities and when to consider working with an attorney who practices IP law.

Whether it is registering an IP or enforcing against counterfeits and infringing products, SEMA strives to provide members with the tools necessary to take those actions.

For additional details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise

A rebound in accessory and appearance products has helped to drive the current growth. A closer look at the market reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. For product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products, and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members can download a free copy of the report. The report provides detailed insight on the compact-
performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street-rod and custom, and racing niches.

SEMA News—December 2014

Guide to Protect Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights Available Online

SEMA’s new member guide describing the process by which businesses can protect their intellectual property (IP) rights is now available online at www.sema.org/intellectual-property-rights-guide. A hard copy of “Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights: What SEMA Members Need to Know” was also sent to members through the U.S. mail.

SEMA published the guide to help members understand their rights and to protect their investments. It provides a basic overview of the law governing trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. It’s intended as a reference tool to help identify IP priorities and when to consider working with an attorney who practices IP law.

Whether it is registering an IP or enforcing against counterfeits and infringing products, SEMA strives to provide members with the tools necessary to take those actions.

For additional details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise

A rebound in accessory and appearance products has helped to drive the current growth. A closer look at the market reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. For product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products, and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members can download a free copy of the report. The report provides detailed insight on the compact-
performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street-rod and custom, and racing niches.

SEMA News—December 2014

Guide to Protect Trademarks, Patents and Copyrights Available Online

SEMA’s new member guide describing the process by which businesses can protect their intellectual property (IP) rights is now available online at www.sema.org/intellectual-property-rights-guide. A hard copy of “Trademarks, Patents & Copyrights: What SEMA Members Need to Know” was also sent to members through the U.S. mail.

SEMA published the guide to help members understand their rights and to protect their investments. It provides a basic overview of the law governing trademarks, patents, copyrights and trade secrets. It’s intended as a reference tool to help identify IP priorities and when to consider working with an attorney who practices IP law.

Whether it is registering an IP or enforcing against counterfeits and infringing products, SEMA strives to provide members with the tools necessary to take those actions.

For additional details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.

Light-Truck Accessory Market on the Rise

A rebound in accessory and appearance products has helped to drive the current growth. A closer look at the market reveals that while off-road product sales have held relatively steady since 2007, they increased more than 6% in 2013. For product categories, manufacturer sales in the off-road market are led by wheel, tire and suspension products, followed by accessory and appearance products, and performance components.

“The light-truck sector has always been an important part of the specialty-equipment market, as trucks are accessorized for a wide variety of applications,” stated Gavin Knapp, SEMA senior market research manager. “With new truck sales on the rise again and the economy stabilizing, the light-truck parts and accessories market looks set to re-emerge as a growth engine for the industry.”

This information and more is available through the recently released 2014 SEMA Annual Market Report. Members can download a free copy of the report. The report provides detailed insight on the compact-
performance, street-performance, light-truck, off-road, restyling, restoration, street-rod and custom, and racing niches.

SEMA News—December 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

Congressman Cools Off in the River City

Vintage Air Hosts U.S. Representative Lamar Smith

Thirty-eight years later, Vintage Air continues to expand. Every system and component is engineered and manufactured in-house at the company’s 55,000-sq.-ft. San Antonio headquarters by more than 140 skilled American workers, many of whom are hot rodders themselves.

U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) also hails from San Antonio. In fact, his family has called the area home for five generations. Smith was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 to represent Texas’s 21st Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio north to Austin. Vintage Air, its ownership and employees are part of Smith’s constituency.

In Congress, Smith serves as chairman of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others. He also serves on both the Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee. In 2011, he was named Policymaker of the Year by Politico magazine for his work on patent reform legislation.

While most know Smith as “Congressman,” he’s recently added another title to his collection: enthusiast. This year, he and his son checked an item off their bucket list by purchasing a ’80 Porsche 911 that’s in need of some TLC—a first for the father-and-son pair.

“Having just purchased a collector car of my own, I was truly excited to visit Vintage Air,” Rep. Smith said. “What the folks are doing there is remarkable. They are a model of success not just in the automotive aftermarket industry but for businesses nationwide.”

During his tour, Rep. Smith was able to see how Vintage Air has grown. In the past year, it has expanded its local footprint with the addition of a complete evaporator and condensing coil manufacturing operation. This new department joins an already impressive roster of cutting-edge operations, including robotic machining, fiber-optic laser cutting and wind-tunnel testing.

Crucial to this expansion has been business expensing tax deductions (Section 179 in the tax code), which allow companies to deduct the cost of new equipment in the year it’s purchased instead of depreciating the cost over time. However, deductions at the $500,000 level expired at the start of the year and reverted to the pre-recession $25,000 level. Congress is considering a bill to renew the measure at $500,000, which encourages American companies, such as Vintage Air, to invest in the latest tools for manufacturing their products.

“The ability to show Rep. Smith firsthand how these important expensing deductions helped fuel our growth was invaluable,” Vintage Air Executive Vice President Rick Love said. “It is a message the Congressman can take back to Washington as he seeks to convince his fellow lawmakers to extend these pro-business benefits.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, contact Christian Robinson in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Al Azadi

Al Azadi is the founder and president of Omix-ADA, which is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia. Azadi joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012 and is active with many charitable organizations, including SEMA Cares.

“The automotive aftermarket is a major contributor to the U.S. economy,” Azadi said. “At the same time, our industry could be negatively impacted if our government does not understand how its daily decisions impact our businesses. SEMA’s Washington, D.C., team is an integral part in maintaining a consistent voice in government to effectively represent and protect our industry. That is why I am a SEMA PAC President’s Club member.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20 or e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—December 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

Congressman Cools Off in the River City

Vintage Air Hosts U.S. Representative Lamar Smith

Thirty-eight years later, Vintage Air continues to expand. Every system and component is engineered and manufactured in-house at the company’s 55,000-sq.-ft. San Antonio headquarters by more than 140 skilled American workers, many of whom are hot rodders themselves.

U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) also hails from San Antonio. In fact, his family has called the area home for five generations. Smith was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 to represent Texas’s 21st Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio north to Austin. Vintage Air, its ownership and employees are part of Smith’s constituency.

In Congress, Smith serves as chairman of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others. He also serves on both the Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee. In 2011, he was named Policymaker of the Year by Politico magazine for his work on patent reform legislation.

While most know Smith as “Congressman,” he’s recently added another title to his collection: enthusiast. This year, he and his son checked an item off their bucket list by purchasing a ’80 Porsche 911 that’s in need of some TLC—a first for the father-and-son pair.

“Having just purchased a collector car of my own, I was truly excited to visit Vintage Air,” Rep. Smith said. “What the folks are doing there is remarkable. They are a model of success not just in the automotive aftermarket industry but for businesses nationwide.”

During his tour, Rep. Smith was able to see how Vintage Air has grown. In the past year, it has expanded its local footprint with the addition of a complete evaporator and condensing coil manufacturing operation. This new department joins an already impressive roster of cutting-edge operations, including robotic machining, fiber-optic laser cutting and wind-tunnel testing.

Crucial to this expansion has been business expensing tax deductions (Section 179 in the tax code), which allow companies to deduct the cost of new equipment in the year it’s purchased instead of depreciating the cost over time. However, deductions at the $500,000 level expired at the start of the year and reverted to the pre-recession $25,000 level. Congress is considering a bill to renew the measure at $500,000, which encourages American companies, such as Vintage Air, to invest in the latest tools for manufacturing their products.

“The ability to show Rep. Smith firsthand how these important expensing deductions helped fuel our growth was invaluable,” Vintage Air Executive Vice President Rick Love said. “It is a message the Congressman can take back to Washington as he seeks to convince his fellow lawmakers to extend these pro-business benefits.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, contact Christian Robinson in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Al Azadi

Al Azadi is the founder and president of Omix-ADA, which is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia. Azadi joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012 and is active with many charitable organizations, including SEMA Cares.

“The automotive aftermarket is a major contributor to the U.S. economy,” Azadi said. “At the same time, our industry could be negatively impacted if our government does not understand how its daily decisions impact our businesses. SEMA’s Washington, D.C., team is an integral part in maintaining a consistent voice in government to effectively represent and protect our industry. That is why I am a SEMA PAC President’s Club member.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20 or e-mail at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA News—December 2014

FROM THE HILL
By Christian Robinson

Congressman Cools Off in the River City

Vintage Air Hosts U.S. Representative Lamar Smith

Thirty-eight years later, Vintage Air continues to expand. Every system and component is engineered and manufactured in-house at the company’s 55,000-sq.-ft. San Antonio headquarters by more than 140 skilled American workers, many of whom are hot rodders themselves.

U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX) also hails from San Antonio. In fact, his family has called the area home for five generations. Smith was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1986 to represent Texas’s 21st Congressional District, which stretches from San Antonio north to Austin. Vintage Air, its ownership and employees are part of Smith’s constituency.

In Congress, Smith serves as chairman of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, among others. He also serves on both the Judiciary Committee and the Homeland Security Committee. In 2011, he was named Policymaker of the Year by Politico magazine for his work on patent reform legislation.

While most know Smith as “Congressman,” he’s recently added another title to his collection: enthusiast. This year, he and his son checked an item off their bucket list by purchasing a ’80 Porsche 911 that’s in need of some TLC—a first for the father-and-son pair.

“Having just purchased a collector car of my own, I was truly excited to visit Vintage Air,” Rep. Smith said. “What the folks are doing there is remarkable. They are a model of success not just in the automotive aftermarket industry but for businesses nationwide.”

During his tour, Rep. Smith was able to see how Vintage Air has grown. In the past year, it has expanded its local footprint with the addition of a complete evaporator and condensing coil manufacturing operation. This new department joins an already impressive roster of cutting-edge operations, including robotic machining, fiber-optic laser cutting and wind-tunnel testing.

Crucial to this expansion has been business expensing tax deductions (Section 179 in the tax code), which allow companies to deduct the cost of new equipment in the year it’s purchased instead of depreciating the cost over time. However, deductions at the $500,000 level expired at the start of the year and reverted to the pre-recession $25,000 level. Congress is considering a bill to renew the measure at $500,000, which encourages American companies, such as Vintage Air, to invest in the latest tools for manufacturing their products.

“The ability to show Rep. Smith firsthand how these important expensing deductions helped fuel our growth was invaluable,” Vintage Air Executive Vice President Rick Love said. “It is a message the Congressman can take back to Washington as he seeks to convince his fellow lawmakers to extend these pro-business benefits.”

For more information on planning your own Congressional District Site Visit, contact Christian Robinson in the SEMA government affairs office at christianr@sema.org.

SEMA PAC President’s Club Spotlight: Al Azadi

Al Azadi is the founder and president of Omix-ADA, which is headquartered in Suwanee, Georgia. Azadi joined the SEMA PAC President’s Club in 2012 and is active with many charitable organizations, including SEMA Cares.

“The automotive aftermarket is a major contributor to the U.S. economy,” Azadi said. “At the same time, our industry could be negatively impacted if our government does not understand how its daily decisions impact our businesses. SEMA’s Washington, D.C., team is an integral part in maintaining a consistent voice in government to effectively represent and protect our industry. That is why I am a SEMA PAC President’s Club member.”

For more information on SEMA PAC, contact SEMA PAC Manager Christian Robinson by phone at 202-783-6007 x20 or e-mail at christianr@sema.org.